OT What does it really cost to live in Hawaii

 Hello all I was wondering if I could get some input from some of you folks on just what it costs to live there. We are looking to make a move somewhere and Hawaii is one of our choices due to the climate.

 She is a Medical Director of a large Correctional Facility and I retired from the same Facility as a Correctional Officer/ Shift Supervisor  Now I own and operate a small Trucking Company I only have 4 trucks but do  really well with what I have.

 I realize that she can find employment most anywhere with her level of education and I could find some type of Business to get involved in. But we are both looking  to just slow down  and watch our two young children grow up and mature into young ladies.

 We currently live in Florida and just want to get away from this area completely we have no Mortgage or Car Payments and can afford to pay cash for a home. Within reason of course, so if any one could give some advice as to what are the better areas to live where we could raise our girls away from the hoodlums and hassles it would be appreciated. We would like to be in the farming area or at least out of the city at any rate. Thank you in advance for any help, considerations, or suggestions that you may have.

I live on Kauai. Mt. Waialeale is here, it's the wettest spot on earth. Great for irrigation/farming. We have one correctional facility here. And 2 main hospitals. You'd both be able to find jobs here. Keep in mind it is very expensive to live here but so worth the trade off of being in a close knit community for raising children. It's very easy to keep tabs on your kids here. But in any area, there tend to be hoodlums and hassles but not so much as with a large city. Population on this island is around 60 thousand.......

Good luck and keep in touch if you'd like more info.

Hi!    I just read your post today.   I'm not sure if anyone has replied to you, but it does not appear so. FYI,  I was born and raised in Hawaii all of  54 years on the island of Oahu. I'm not sure which island you are considering, but this is the island which is known for development and shopping.  The other islands are much smaller and so Oahu pretty much offers the activities and business atmosphere that most people want. With regards to real estate, the average home on Oahu is approximately $650,000.00!  Sounds like a lot, but believe me you will see a lot higher depending on the type of home you are looking for.  This would be for a simple 3 br 2 bath home on approximately 5,000 - 6,000 sq ft. of land.  Depending on the area the land area might be a little smaller.  I think that our home prices are just about the highest next to California.  I hope I'm not sounding too negative.  Don't get me wrong, I would not live anywhere else. Like anywhere else each area has its good and bad neighborhoods.  I would  be glad to give you more information if you would like. I live in Kaneohe, which is on the Windward side of the island.  I was born in Aiea which is on the Leeward side, and the traffic is terrible!! With regards to your children, I'm not sure how old they are and what grade they would be in school.  Unfortunately, one of the biggest downfalls of living in Hawaii is the quality of our public education.  It is very poor. Actually, my children have always attended private schools which can be pretty expensive.  Once again, I could give you more specific information if you would like. Please e-mail me if I can be of any further help. Aloha, Pat

Aloha from Maui....I don't check the Hawaii forum that often because it isn't as active as the Over Fifty Forum where I spend a lot off time, but this morning I did check, and must repond.

How delightful that you may be moving to Hawaii. It is a wonderful life. I live on Maui, and the cost of living is really HIGH....everything from food, to gasoline ($3.99 gallon yesterday), to housing, etc. You can do some comparing of Maui prices by going to www.Mauisales.com This is the web site of a friend of mine who sells a lot of property on Maui, and you can brouse through and get an idea of everything available here. "Upcountry" sounds like what you are looking for...and it is gorgeous here...almost all the land up there has outstanding views of the harbor, the mountains and the ocean.

Good luck on your new adventure!

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

you can go to www.konaweb.com this is for the big island has prices for hauling funiture cars ect... its all their. I wish you luck I hope to be moving their also at the end of this year or so...... take care, velvet

The islands in general are expensive to live....but seeing that you both came from a good career, you will be able to retire here and enjoy it. I live on the windward side of Oahu...its very tropical and beautiful! Come out for a visit....meet with some of us from here and then make up your minds!!! Have a good one!!